murray bmf
Member
Are these guys reef safe, any info about them woulb be helpful. Thanks in advance
Has any body heard of a sponge crab?
- Thread starter murray bmf
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T
thomas712
Guest
Sponge Crab
The Sponge Crab {Dromidiopsis dormia} like most crabs,is nocturnal. Commonly seen on moonless nights wearing a sponge that has been cultivated and cut to the shape of the carapace. Less often seen during the day except in caverns or ledges, and then only if your eyes are sharp. This crab will hide on the reef under its sponge if sponge is not readily available, it has also been seen with rubber thongs ("flip- flops") on its back in areas like Kaanapali beach where tourists can lose their shoes in the surf.
The Sponge Crab {Dromidiopsis dormia} like most crabs,is nocturnal. Commonly seen on moonless nights wearing a sponge that has been cultivated and cut to the shape of the carapace. Less often seen during the day except in caverns or ledges, and then only if your eyes are sharp. This crab will hide on the reef under its sponge if sponge is not readily available, it has also been seen with rubber thongs ("flip- flops") on its back in areas like Kaanapali beach where tourists can lose their shoes in the surf.
T
thomas712
Guest
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The smooth white carapace is strongly domed and camouflaged by a sponge. The last legs end in tiny pincers which can only be seen when the sponge is taken off. The carapace is up to 22 mm across.
Habitat and Distribution:
These animals are likely to be seen living under rocks in pools on rock platforms, jetty piles, kelp holdfasts and in sandy environments rich in sponges. The Sponge Crab like most crabs, is nocturnal. Commonly seen on moonless nights wearing a sponge that has been cultivated and cut to the shape of the carapace. Less often seen during the day except in caverns or ledges, and then only if your eyes are sharp. This crab will hide on the reef under its sponge if sponge is not readily available.
General Biology:
Species of this family are commonly referred to as sponge crabs because they carry about with them a piece of living sponge, sea squirt, soft coral or shell.
Now would a crab that can take apart sponges, sea squitrs and soft corals be considered reef safe. I think not.
Thomas
The smooth white carapace is strongly domed and camouflaged by a sponge. The last legs end in tiny pincers which can only be seen when the sponge is taken off. The carapace is up to 22 mm across.
Habitat and Distribution:
These animals are likely to be seen living under rocks in pools on rock platforms, jetty piles, kelp holdfasts and in sandy environments rich in sponges. The Sponge Crab like most crabs, is nocturnal. Commonly seen on moonless nights wearing a sponge that has been cultivated and cut to the shape of the carapace. Less often seen during the day except in caverns or ledges, and then only if your eyes are sharp. This crab will hide on the reef under its sponge if sponge is not readily available.
General Biology:
Species of this family are commonly referred to as sponge crabs because they carry about with them a piece of living sponge, sea squirt, soft coral or shell.
Now would a crab that can take apart sponges, sea squitrs and soft corals be considered reef safe. I think not.
Thomas
murray bmf
Member
I concur Thanks Thomas!
Thanks Thomas!
clarkiiboi
Active Member
Originally posted by Thomas712
Sponge Crab
it has also been seen with rubber thongs ("flip- flops") on its back
Now that would be a site to see:hilarious. Anyways, if it can make this fit to size, I would have to agree. It seems it would use most anything just to be covered:scared:.